Downtown News

North Beaver Street in Downtown York has been designated a 2017 Great Public Street by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-PA).

On First Friday, September 1, at 4:45pm, Pamela Shellenberger, the Chair of the APA-PA Great Places in Pennsylvania Program, will recognize the unit block of North Beaver Street being named one of PA’s Great Streets for 2017. This brief ceremony will take place on North Beaver Street, outside of Central Market. Downtown community members and North Beaver Street Merchants will join for for a photo opp and presentation before First Friday festivities begin.

A Great Street comprises the entire three-dimensional visual corridor, including the public realm and how it relates to the adjacent land uses. It is important for local businesses and helps to create a sense of community. Special emphasis is placed on “complete” streets that service and take into account all users, whether auto, pedestrian, bicycle or transit.

The unit block of North Beaver Street serves as the bustling hub of the downtown. It is home to Central Market and an eclectic mix of restaurants, gift shops, boutiques, and art galleries. The street is adorned with brightly colored parking meters and other distinctive public art. During monthly First Friday and some community events, the street closes to traffic and becomes a pedestrian concourse for family friendly activities.

Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-PA) designated two Great Public Streets for 2017: North Beaver Street and State Street in Media Borough, Delaware County; and three Great Public Spaces for 2017: Aspinwall Riverfront Park, Aspinwall Borough, Allegheny County; Fountain Park and Bandstand Park, Franklin City, Venango County; Karl Stirner Arts Trail, City of Easton, Northampton County.

The Great Places in Pennsylvania Program, which was launched in 2014, recognizes unique and memorable places throughout Pennsylvania. Great Places have a sustainable vision for the future and serve as a model for other communities.

All of the designated Great Places demonstrate the rewarding results that occur through community partnerships, planning, and dedication. In recognizing the 2017 Great Places in Pennsylvania, APA-PA also celebrates the many community leaders and officials, professionals, and residents who contribute to making the Great Streets and Public Spaces. For more information on these Great Places, as well as previously designated Great Places, please visit www.planningpa.org.